ABOUT US

Blue Phoenix is a fledgling not-for-profit mental health organisation that was birthed prior to the outbreak of the Coronavirus. It is unique in many ways. Our community-centric approach is quite different from the way many other groups operate.

In the past, those suffering from mental health issues have felt isolated and marginalised. However, in 2020 an Australian Institute of Health and Welfare survey has estimated that 46% of Australians aged 16–85 have experienced a mental disorder during their lifetime. We believe it is time for those suffering to be heard and understood.

Blue Phoenix is concerned with raising awareness of the prevalence of mental health issues in our community through stigma reduction, myth-busting, and stimulating the conversation at the grassroots community level around thinking differently about mental health issues and supporting those who do.

OUR HISTORY: WHO ARE WE? WHERE HAVE WE COME FROM?

Blue Phoenix emerged as a result of dissatisfaction with inadequacies in the current system and the way that people with mental health issues are perceived, not only by the system but by society at large.

Our organisation started in a lounge room as we sat chatting about how things could be improved and what we could do to contribute to that process. The name Blue Phoenix was coined to represent the blue of the challenges of mental health issues and the rising of individuals and society. Our mantra is “Let’s Rise Together”

In November 2019 we became involved with Metro North Mental Health Services in the development of the “Conversations in Mental Health Videos,” which can be viewed here.

We continue to periodically participate in speaking engagements and workshops on the future development of mental health services. Most recently one of our founding members was involved in the Mental Health Commission’s Shifting Minds program.

Two of the founders were featured in a February 2022 commendation story by ABC Digital News which went nationwide and led to a connection with Professor Selena Bartlett who has been a passionate advocate for, and friend of, Blue Phoenix.

Recently Professor Bartlett featured Andrew McLean, Suzanna Free, and Tracey Bradford in her Thriving Minds podcast number 156.

Importantly we also connected with Matthew Dahlitz, from The Science of Us, who interviewed members for his documentary on Schizophrenia

We are thankful for the enormous support we have received from Ivan Frkovic, the Queensland Government’s Mental Health Commissioner, who has heard us, and encouraged us to be a voice for the voiceless. Over the years our engagement with the commission has provided invaluable direction and validation of our cause.

The creation of the sunflower quilt was one of our first major ventures into raising awareness and showcasing Blue Phoenix‘s primary goals— to reduce stigma, provide clear insight, stimulate the conversation to help people think differently and support those who suffer from mental health issues. The project received the input and cooperation of quilters and embroiderers guilds throughout southeast Queensland.

The sunflower quilt venture was a huge success and was finalised for the Mental Health Week event in 2022 at the Community Centre in Carina. For this event, we were hugely assisted by the pastors and congregation of the Grace Communion Church which meets at that venue. They graciously hosted the event and the wonderful refreshments that followed. Thank you, Grace Communion.

Our quilt enjoyed huge popularity, circulating through Brisbane City Council Libraries. This culminated in the proud custodianship of the Mental Health Commission where it is permanently displayed in their Boardroom. Every time they have a meeting the quilt is on display.

We have permission from the Mental Health Commission’s Office to retrieve the quilt for display purposes of our own should we so desire.

For Mental Health Week in 2023 Blue Phoenix launched our Pebble Project, once again at the Carina Community Centre with the assistance of Grace Communion Church.

The object of the Pebble Project is to remind us all of the personal value of each individual. Our pebbles are a tactile reminder of this unique value, personally delivered and spreading ripples of awareness, connection, and hope that spread throughout the community at large.

We are hoping to gather some stories of how people have been impacted by our Pebble Project and to showcase them perhaps through future podcasts and at our next Mental Health Week event. This year this will be held at the Carina Community Centre on the 6 October 2024. It will also feature guest speakers and we will provide an update on our Pebble Project progress.

CURRENT ACTIVITIES AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

We have been dedicating ourselves to the preparation for and delivery of public speaking engagements, like this one, in which we tell our stories in support of our cause.

We have expanded our network, encompassing professionals, lived experienced members, and advocates and Friends of Blue Phoenix.

We engage in regular public speaking training with our coach and mentor Bronwyn Ritchie from Pivotal Public Speaking.

Professor Selena Bartlett has expressed an interest in working with us in the production of our own podcast, during which people are given the opportunity to express their unique perspectives which are frequently overlooked – another point of difference for us.

We are an unincorporated group auspiced by the Community Initiatives Resource Association, who we work with to manage our risks and make sure our legal and financial affairs are looked after.

We are very grateful to have the gracious support of Grace Communion Church, Clemente, Stepping Stone Clubhouse, and Carina Leagues Club.

– OUR VISION –

Our overarching vision is a world where all people are valued and respected regardless of their mental health status.

– OUR PURPOSE –

Our primary purpose is challenging misunderstanding through public speaking, storytelling and other avenues of communication.

Our aim in myth busting, hopes to dispel such common misconceptions as:

“people with mental health issues are dangerous”;

“people cannot change”; and

“recovery is not possible”.

Our emphasis is more on community reach than fiscal gain. Funds, majorly from sponsors and donors are channeled toward projects, resources, and awareness drives.

As Professor Bartlett has written: “Mental health and well-being aren’t just about medical terminologies or isolated experiences; it’s about shared stories, collective empathy, and societal awareness. When we converse, narrate our journeys, challenge existing stigmas, and foster a discourse that dissolves misconceptions, we aren’t merely sharing information. We’re bridging divides, sowing seeds of compassion, and nurturing a shared hope that recovery is within reach for everyone.”

LET’S RISE TOGETHER